Skindive � Skindive 
Label: Palm Pictures
Rating: 
 

I didn't know what to expect when I received this disc for review. I wasn't sure whether this female fronted band would be yet another Hole or the watered down pop-ska of No Doubt. I am happy to report it was neither, unlike Courtney Love, vocalist Danielle Harrison can not only sing but has an amazing voice. While Skindive has some of the pop sensibilities that made No Doubt international stars, they have a much more eclectic approach to music and song writing which helps keep the music from sounding formulaic.  Musically the band covers a lot of ground: hard rock, alternative and industrial are all thrown into the mix. The guitars are heavy where they should be and light where a more subdued mood is called for. 

It's hard for most women to sound convincing in rock bands, especially when the petal is put the metal and you expect equally raunchy vocals. That being said, Danielle Harrison doesn't resort to screaming at the heavy points on this disc, instead she keeps her musical composure and manages to really sing with a power and intensity that comes across polished not raw. It works for her, while I'd be hard pressed to name another female vocalist that pulls it off as well. 

Comparisons are inevitable and most critics will probably fall into the trap of comparing Skindive to Garbage. True they traipse across the same modern rock landscape but Skindive brings a lot more variety to table than Garbage. 

This CD is subtly seductive, powerful yet melodic, polished but not contrived, fun but not frivolous; in other words, it's a good choice for anyone looking for well-crafted music delivered with convincing emotion.  It's definitely worth some attention.